Romans 12:1

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, etc..] The apostle having finished the doctrinal part of this epistle, proceeds to that which is more practical; and enforces the several duties of religion, upon the principles he had before laid down, a method generally observed by him in all his epistles. The illative particle “therefore”, shows that the following exhortations are so many conclusions, consequences, and inferences, deduced from what had been said in the latter part of the preceding chapter; that since all things are of God, and by him and to him, then the saints ought to present their bodies to him, and to know, approve, and do his will; and since they have nothing…”

“DUTIES OF BELIEVERS, GENERAL AND PARTICULAR. (Rom. 12:1-21) I beseech you therefore--in view of all that has been advanced in the foregoing part of this Epistle. by the mercies of God--those mercies, whose free and unmerited nature, glorious Channel, and saving fruits have been opened up at such length. that ye present--See on Rom 6:13, where we have the same exhortation and the same word there rendered "yield" (as also in Rom 12:16, Rom 12:19). your bodies--that is, "yourselves in the body," considered as the organ of the inner life. As it is through the body that all the evil that is in the unrenewed heart comes forth into palpable manifestation and action, so it is through the body that…”

“I beseech you - The apostle, having finished the argument of this Epistle, proceeds now to close it with a practical or hortatory application, showing its bearing on the duties of life, and the practical influence of religion. None of the doctrines of the gospel are designed to be cold and barren speculations. They bear on the hearts and lives of people; and the apostle therefore calls on those to whom he wrote to dedicate themselves without reserve unto God. Therefore - As the effect or result of the argument or doctrine. In other words, the whole argument of the eleven first chapters is suited to show the obligation on us to devote ourselves to God. From expressions like these, it is clear…”

“I exhort you - St. Paul uses to suit his exhortations to the doctrines he has been delivering. So here the general use from the whole is contained in Rom 12:1-2. The particular uses follow, from the third verse to the end of the Epistle. By the tender mercies of God - The whole sentiment is derived from Rom. 1-5. The expression itself is particularly opposed to "the wrath of God," Rom 1:18. It has a reference here to the entire gospel, to the whole economy of grace or mercy, delivering us from "the wrath of God," and exciting us to all duty. To present - So Rom 6:13; Rom 16:19; now actually to exhibit before God. Your bodies - That is, yourselves; a part is put for the whole; the rather, as…”

“12:1–15:13 This section of Romans sets out the moral and ethical demands of the Good News. God’s gift of salvation in Christ requires a response. God is not satisfied simply with forgiving our sin; he wants to transform our lives. Most of what Paul teaches concerning the moral duties of believers is paralleled in other letters. However, it also seems clear that he has chosen issues pertinent to the situation in Rome—most notably, the dispute between people who are weak in faith and people who are strong in faith (14:1–15:13). 12:1 Your bodies refers to the whole person in contact with the world, not just the physical body. • because of all he has done for you: As described in chs 1–11. •…”

“beseech: Rom 15:30; Co1 1:10; Co2 5:20, Co2 6:1, Co2 10:1; Eph 4:1; Th1 4:1, Th1 4:10, Th1 5:12; Heb 13:22 by the: Rom 2:4, Rom 9:23, Rom 11:30, Rom 11:31; Psa 116:12; Luk 7:47; Co2 4:1, Co2 5:14, Co2 5:15; Eph 2:4-10; Phi 2:1-5; Tit 3:4-8; Pe1 2:10-12 that ye: Rom 6:13, Rom 6:16, Rom 6:19; Psa 50:13, Psa 50:14; Co1 6:13-20; Phi 1:20; Heb 10:22 a living: Psa 69:30, Psa 69:31; Hos 14:2; Co1 5:7, Co1 5:8; Co2 4:16; Phi 2:17; Heb 10:20-22; Heb 13:15, Heb 13:16; Pe1 2:5 acceptable: Rom 12:2, Rom 15:16; Psa 19:14; Isa 56:7; Jer 6:20; Eph 5:10; Phi 4:18; Ti1 2:3; Ti1 5:4; Pe1 2:5, Pe1 2:20 Romans 12:2”